Every Band & Musician Who Has Performed on Saturday Night Live

Updated May 20, 2024 172.5K views 669 items

Live from the main stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this is a list of every band, musician, and singer who has performed on Saturday Night Live. Since its premiere in 1975, SNL has had more than 600 unique musical guests. It's a dream gig: familiar stage, intimate crowd, audience of millions - many of whom are hearing you for the very first time. The acts on this list run the gamut in every genre of music, from Chuck Berry to Devo to Peter Tosh to Skid Row to MC Hammer to Crash Test Dummies to Garth Brooks to The Backstreet Boys to Lorde. The bands are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent listed first. It includes the date of the appearance - or dates, for those of us lucky enough to be invited to perform more than once.

Because of the show's longevity, Saturday Night Live musical guests are a Who's Who of the most popular musicians of each time period. A look back at the early years of the sketch show reveals frequent repeat appearances from soft rock, folksy kinds of artists like James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Anne Murray. In the 1980s, new wave acts like Men at Work and The Cars stopped by a couple times each. In the 21st Century, it's all hip hop and pop made for clubbing, all Kanye this and Drake that, with only an occasional appearance by a singer-songwriter like Father John Misty or Adele.

For more about SNL guests, check out these lists of all Saturday Night Live hosts and the worst SNL hosts of all time.

Ranked by

1
Lizzo
Hip hop, Alternative hip hop, Pop
Having stormed the stage with her vivacious presence and powerful vocals, Lizzo undoubtedly ranks among the most memorable SNL musical guests. In her 2019 episode, Lizzo not only showcased her soulful voice on "Truth Hurts" and "Good As Hell," but also captivated viewers with her charisma and unmatched energy, leaving everyone eager for her return.
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2
Rosalía
Flamenco pop
Rosalía took SNL by storm during her performance, mesmerizing viewers with her stunning vocals and unique fusion of flamenco, reggaeton, and pop. Songs like "Malamente" and "A Palé" reverberated with energy, while her sensual moves and captivating presence transformed her appearance into an unforgettable musical experience.
3
Charli XCX
Synthpop, New Wave, Pop music
Charli XCX's foray onto the SNL stage left an indelible mark on the audience, thanks to her compelling presence and cutting-edge sound. Performing hits like "Boom Clap" and "Break the Rules," Charli demonstrated her knack for crafting infectious hooks, solidifying her status as a go-to musical guest.
4
LCD Soundsystem
Synthpop, Dance-punk, Electronic music
Serving up a slice of electronica heaven, LCD Soundsystem's SNL performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. From their episode in 2017, the band's renditions of "Call the Police" and "American Dream" illustrated their penchant for sophisticated songwriting and proved that their live shows are truly electrifying events.
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5
Katy Perry
Synthpop, Rock music, Electronic music
Known for her bright persona and catchy tunes, Katy Perry's appearances on SNL have always left a sweet taste in the mouths of viewers. Her performances of hits like "Roar" and "Swish Swish" highlighted her vocal prowess, knack for theatrics, and undeniable star power, ensuring her place as an iconic SNL musical guest.
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6
Roddy Ricch
Rap
Roddy Ricch's smooth flow and effortless stage presence quickly won over the SNL audience. Bringing his hits "The Box" and "High Fashion" to life, Roddy's dynamic delivery and undeniable swagger cemented his status as a must-see performer in the pantheon of SNL musical guests.
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Lizzo

Rosalía

Charli XCX

LCD Soundsystem

Katy Perry

Roddy Ricch